Superintendent Brower Newsletter

Stadium Progress

Our new track, field, and stadium project is taking great shape! Excavation for the track and field is complete, and the construction team is now working on the drainage system, curbing, fencing, and foundations for track-and-field events. Preparations are also underway for the stadium and restrooms.

We are deeply grateful to Ohop Mutual Light Company for removing the old lights and poles, to LeMay Pierce County Refuse for hauling debris, and to Land Recovery, Inc. (LRI) for disposal services. A special thank-you also goes to the Greater Eatonville Community Foundation (GECF) for raising more than $100,000 through their Sponsor a Seat campaign, your support is truly remarkable.

Many have asked when the project will be completed. Some portions are weather-dependent, but our goal is to finish the field and stadium by the end of 2025, with the remaining elements, including the LED lighting system, the new EHS Class of 2025 flagpole, scoreboard, restrooms, and track, completed by April 2026.

We are once again grateful to our voters for approving the capital projects levy that made this new facility possible.

Board of Distinction

Congratulations to our Eatonville School District Board of Directors, recently recognized by the Washington State School Directors’ Association (WSSDA) as a 2025 Board of Distinction! This honor highlights their strategic leadership, community engagement, and unwavering commitment to ensuring that every student has the opportunity to learn and thrive.

Their consistent dedication to academic achievement and student wellness is making a lasting difference.

Growing Relationships in the Soil (GRITS) Farm

Students, both past and present, recently gathered at the GRITS Farm to share their experiences with members of the Washington State House of Representatives Education Committee. The visit, organized and led by former Eatonville School Board member Representative Matt Marshall, showcased how the GRITS program builds leadership, communication, and practical skills through real-world applications in science, natural resources, and farm management.

This event was a powerful reminder of how experiential learning at GRITS continues to shape confident, capable, and community-minded leaders.

A Season of Gratitude

As Thanksgiving approaches, I wish each of you a season filled with joy and gratitude. Together, let’s continue our shared focus on attendance, academic success, and preparing every student for a bright and successful future.

Our collective vision bears repeating:
Together with our families and community, Eatonville Schools will empower students to achieve excellence in education and future success.

We are Eatonville Strong!

Warmly,

Superintendent Jay Brower
Eatonville School District

Be part of Eatonville’s legacy by sponsoring a stadium seat through the Greater Eatonville Community Foundation. Your contribution helps celebrate community pride and supports the ongoing enhancement of our new stadium facilities.

Visit the Greater Eatonville Community Foundation Stadium Project Page to learn more and make your donation today. As a friendly note, please know that we anticipate the entire stadium will be completed by the end of December 2025.

Enjoy this video to learn more.

In honor of Veterans Day, the Eatonville School District would like to extend a heartfelt invitation to all veterans and their families to attend our annual Veterans Day programs. These events are a special opportunity for our students and staff to recognize and celebrate the service and sacrifice of our veterans.

We would be truly honored to have you join us as our guests of honor. We hope you will join us as we come together to show our deep gratitude and appreciation for all you have done for our country.

Thank you for your service, and we look forward to honoring you.

Last month's State of the School Address was a true celebration of leadership, vision, and community. Our amazing students impressed everyone with their confident and engaging presentations — such outstanding leadership on display!

A special thank you to Mr. Justice, our new principal, for sharing a clear and exciting vision of where we are, where we’re going, and how we’ll get there together. His dedication to our students and staff shines through every word.

It was a great night for Eatonville Middle School and a wonderful reminder of the incredible things happening across our district!

We're excited to share that Eatonville School District will be adopting a new K-8 math curriculum. On Nov. 6, during the first phase of the process, the team will spend the day evaluating materials and listening to presenters from Great Minds and Curriculum Associates. Our team of staff have listed the materials in the link below to be reviewed. We will be exploring the following instructional materials list to determine recommendations to the Instructional Materials Committee and the school board for approval of instructional materials for learning. Math Materials

Our math standards focus for K-12 can be summarized by grade level below.

Grades K-2

Students focus on foundational skills such as counting, basic operations, and understanding shapes. They begin to explore measurement and data through simple activities that relate to their everyday experiences.

Key Standards:

• Counting and Cardinality: Count to 100, understand number sequences.

• Operations and Algebraic Thinking: Begin addition and subtraction.

• Geometry: Identify and describe shapes.

Grades 3-5

Learners deepen their understanding of multiplication, division, and fractions. They also explore more complex geometric shapes and concepts like area and volume.

Key Standards:

• Fractions as Numbers: Understand and represent fractions on a number line.

• Geometry: Classify shapes, understand area and perimeter.

• Number and Operations: Add, subtract, multiply, and divide within 1000.

Grades 6-8

Students tackle advanced topics such as ratios, proportions, algebra, and geometry. They begin to understand functions and linear equations.

Key Standards:

• Ratios and Proportional Relationships: Solve problems using ratios and rates.

• Expressions and Equations: Evaluate and solve equations and inequalities.

• Geometry: Analyze geometric figures and apply the Pythagorean Theorem.

Grades 9-12

High school students delve into algebra, geometry, and statistics. They study complex functions, trigonometry, and probability, preparing for college-level mathematics.

Key Standards:

• Algebra: Solve linear and quadratic equations, understand functions.

• Geometry: Prove theorems, solve problems involving angles and volumes.

• Statistics: Interpret data, analyze patterns, and make predictions.

These standards guide students through a comprehensive math education, building the skills necessary for academic and real-world success.

Here are ways you can support your student with math at home. Keep learning fun and engaging.

1. Create a Study Routine: Set a specific time and quiet space for math homework to establish consistency and focus.

2. Engage in Math Talk: Encourage discussions about math concepts. Ask your child to explain what they're learning and solve problems together.

3. Use Real-World Examples: Incorporate math in everyday activities, like cooking (measuring ingredients) or shopping (calculating costs).

4. Play Math Games: Use board games or online resources to make math practice fun and interactive.

5. Encourage Problem-Solving: Provide puzzles and challenges that promote critical thinking and develop problem-solving skills.

6. Monitor Progress: Stay informed about your child's math curriculum and communicate with their teacher about any concerns or questions.

7. Celebrate Achievements: Acknowledge your child's efforts and accomplishments in math to build confidence and motivation.

Monthly Book Buzz at Eatonville High School: Lunch with Pierce County Librarian Kaitlyn Griffith-Miller

Every month, our Eatonville High School library hosts Kaitlyn Griffith-Miller, the Pierce County Library Teen Services Librarian, for engaging Book Talks during lunch. Kaitlyn introduces exciting reads, shares how to access library resources, updates us on library events, and even brings a fun craft activity for students. You might also catch her at the EHS Magic game club after school or hosting Magic games at the Eatonville branch. Join us for a creative and literary lunchtime!

Mrs. Bloom, EHS Media Assistant, helped pick book genres or themes for the books, and create the posters to advertise the event. Kaitlyn loves her job working with teens and really wanted to be able to share with our rural community. She says it is the highlight of her job!

Tutoring Triumphs at WES: Empowering Young Minds

Weyerhaeuser’s tutoring sessions prioritize a well-rounded approach to student development, beginning with a brief snack and check-in period. Students at Weyerhaeuser are actively participating in the following activities:

Reading and Phonics:

• We focus on phonics and reading skills by collaborating with the first-grade team and using i-Ready results to target specific needs.

• Activities include small-group practice, phonics games, and guided reading, with an emphasis on comprehension, vocabulary, and critical thinking.

• Reading groups delve into story comprehension, retelling, sequencing, and drawing conclusions using both fiction and non-fiction passages.

Math Practice:

• Math sessions incorporate practice packets, one-on-one support, and interactive group activities.

• Students work on multiplication facts, rounding drills, and subtraction of large numbers, enhancing their understanding of place value and rounding.

Positive Reinforcement:

• Our behavior punch card system rewards students for meeting expectations, fostering a supportive and motivating environment.

• Fun games like "hangman" with a twist and "Gator Chomp" reward hard work and maintain student engagement.

Our sessions are designed to support each child's unique learning journey through targeted activities, positive reinforcement, and interactive fun, ensuring a comprehensive and enjoyable educational experience.

At WES, tutoring staff, Monica Alford, Darcy Dennis, Heidi Piper, Alisha Burrows and Jan Iverson, focus on the power of personalized learning to enhance student success. Our dedicated tutoring program offers students the opportunity to receive additional support in a variety of subjects, tailored to meet their individual needs.

Benefits for Students:

• Improved academic performance and confidence in challenging subjects.

• Development of effective study habits and critical thinking skills.

• Encouragement and support in a positive learning environment.

Panorama Platform: Enhancing Student Success in Eatonville Schools

Eatonville Schools staff are excited to continue learning the teaching tool- Panorama Platform, a comprehensive tool that centralizes student data, making it easily accessible for educators. Just last week our counseling staff met with Panorama staff to learn SEL survey insights on the platform. The platform includes the different domains tested in iReady. Staff can identify students that may need Tier 2 intervention and the best area to target interventions by reviewing the different domains.The platform can be used to address needs in the classroom environment.

With the data, from our SEL surveys, we can help address the Social-Emotional needs of our students. Teachers can review the SEL data results for possible morning meeting topics. School Counselors can use the data to target areas of need in their Tier 1 instruction. Best of all, the platform comes with a Playbook. The playbook includes an abundance of strategies that teachers can try to address different areas of needs in their classroom.

Highlights:

• Streamlined Data Access: Teachers can view all student information in one place, enhancing collaboration and personalized learning strategies.

• Targeted Support: The platform helps identify students’ strengths and areas needing reading or math intervention, using tools like iReady scores and SEL surveys.

• Social-Emotional Learning (SEL): Data from SEL surveys guide teachers and counselors in addressing students' emotional and social needs.

• Resourceful Playbook: Offers a variety of strategies for addressing classroom needs, ensuring adaptable and effective teaching methods.

This innovative platform empowers our educators to better support each student's unique learning journey.

November is a time to honor and celebrate the cultures, traditions, and histories of Native American, Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian, and affiliated Island communities. It is a month dedicated to recognizing their enduring contributions to the United States and reaffirming our shared responsibility to uphold treaty rights, promote self-determination, and respect Tribal sovereignty.

This observance also invites us to learn, reflect, and grow—to better understand the unique challenges Indigenous peoples have faced throughout history and continue to navigate today, as well as the remarkable resilience, leadership, and strength they demonstrate in preserving and advancing their cultures.
Let’s celebrate, honor, and learn together!

Since Time Immemorial: Tribal Sovereignty

Washington State law requires that the Since Time Immemorial (STI): Tribal Sovereignty curriculum—or other tribally developed curriculum—be taught in all schools. The STI curriculum, endorsed by all 29 federally recognized tribes in Washington, is designed to deepen students’ understanding of Tribal sovereignty, cultural traditions, and contemporary Tribal issues through accurate, tribally informed perspectives.

• Since Time Immemorial Curriculum

Native American Youth Leadership Academy (NAYLA)

The Native American Youth Leadership Academy (NAYLA) brings together Native students from across Western Washington to strengthen leadership, communication, and life skills in a safe, culturally grounded environment.

Through collaboration and discussion, students explore issues affecting their lives, share ideas for solutions, and build lasting friendships. NAYLA encourages youth to step into leadership roles in their schools, among their peers, and within their communities.

Video: What Is NAYLA

Video: NAYLA.

Date: Thursday, November 20, 6:00 PM
Location: Eatonville Elementary School Library

Join us to learn about:

• Program Updates for English Learners

• TBIP (Transitional Bilingual Instruction Program) Plan

• District Multi-Lingual Plan and how it supports students and families
  
  

Who Should Attend: Families of current and prospective English Learners
Language Support: Interpretation available

Questions?

Contact:

Dracy Blue, Executive Director of Student Services, d.blue@eatonville.wednet.edu

We look forward to partnering with you!

The Highly Capable Program (HiCap) is a program that provides instruction and services for students who are identified as having exceptional academic, cognitive, and/or creative abilities. The program is designed to help students explore learning and accelerate their learning through enhanced activities.

View the newsletter below to see what our elementary and middle school HiCap students have been doing.

REMEMBER: Special Education is a service, not a place!

Question: As the new school year begins, when must students eligible for special education and related services start receiving services?

Answer: Each school district must have in effect an individualized education program (IEP) for every student within its jurisdiction who is eligible to receive special education services at the beginning of the school year (WAC 392-172A-03105). The beginning of a new school year, however, often brings questions about when students eligible for special education will start receiving services. School districts are reminded that they cannot arbitrarily determine when special education and related services will begin or schedule them to begin after the start of the school year for some providers (SECC 16-29 (2016)). Furthermore, a school district policy mandating that services for all students eligible for special education will begin at a specific time after the beginning of the school year (e.g., the third week of the school year) would not be consistent with the IDEA and its implementing regulations (Letter to Ackerhalt, 60 IDELR 21 (OSEP 2012)). The IEP team, which includes the parent(s) and school district officials, determines the projected date for the start of a service based on the individual needs of the student. The IEP team, on a case-by-case basis, may determine that the individual needs of the student require that the start date of a service should occur the first week of school or some other time after the beginning of the school year. Any decision by an IEP team regarding the anticipated start date for services must be documented within the IEP

(WAC 392-172A-03090). The expectation, however, absent any other documented decision from an IEP team, is that students eligible for special education start receiving services at the beginning of each school year.

NEW Parent Survey!

The Student Services Department is introducing a new parent feedback survey!
After your child’s meeting or attendance at a Student Services forum like S.S.A.G.E., you’ll receive a card with a QR code linking to a brief, anonymous survey.

Your feedback helps us make meetings more supportive and informative. If you don’t receive a card, please ask a staff member; your input matters!

Date: November 18, 2025 from 6-7pm at the DO

Topic: Forms of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) Devices

About SSAGE

The SSAGE Committee (Special Services Advisory Group for Education) brings together parents, district staff, and community members to collaborate on improving and enhancing services for all children in the Eatonville School District. Each stakeholder brings unique and valued perspectives that help ensure we meet the diverse needs of students, families, and staff through shared understanding and partnership.

Join us for an engaging and informative session focused on Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) tools that support and empower student communication.

This session will explore the full range of AAC supports, including:

• No Tech: Pictures, American Sign Language (ASL), and gestures

• Lite Tech: Simple tools like picture boards and communication books

• Mid Tech: Basic voice-output devices with limited recorded messages

• High Tech: Advanced speech-generating devices and communication apps

• Feature Matching: Finding the right AAC tool for your child’s unique needs
  
  

Participants will also receive hands-on tips and demonstrations for:

• TD Snap – customizing symbol-based communication on tablets

• Proloquo2Go – building vocabulary and supporting daily communication

• AbleNet – using switches and adaptive devices to promote access and independence
  
  

All families, staff, and community members are welcome to attend.
Come learn practical strategies, explore device options, and discover how AAC can open new pathways for communication, independence, and student voice!

Positive Behavioral Intervention and Supports (PBIS) is an evidence-based approach that helps adults understand why challenging behaviors occur and how to create environments that encourage success. Instead of focusing on punishment, PBS emphasizes teaching, reinforcement, and prevention—helping students build the skills they need to make positive choices.

In schools, this framework is often known as Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS), where teachers and staff use proactive strategies to model, teach, and celebrate positive behaviors.

Creating a positive behavior system at home is just as powerful! By setting clear expectations, providing consistent routines, and recognizing positive behavior, families can strengthen communication, reduce conflict, and build children’s confidence.

Check out the link below for helpful tips, printable tools, and easy steps to bring PBIS practices into your daily home routines:

PBIS at Home

Thursday, November 6, 2025 • 5:30 PM
Eatonville Middle School Library

Please join us for a community conversation on building a culture of kindness and respect in our schools.

Who should attend: Families, students, staff, and community members.
What to expect:

• Overview of prevention, response, and follow-up supports

• How to report concerns and what happens next

• Ways families and schools can partner to foster safe, respectful learning environments

• School Updates
  
  

We look forward to partnering with you!

As your student moves through the school year we want to ensure that you have all of the support your family needs to help it be a successful year.

Please see email addresses of our school counselors below:

Counselor Contacts

EHS

• Maryann Baker: m.baker@eatonville.wednet.edu

• Kirsten Dill: k.dill@eatonville.wednet.edu, k.kralick@eatonville.wednet.edu

EMS

• Anisa Parks: a.parks@eatonville.wednet.edu

• Kylee Meysenburg: k.meysenburg@eatonville.wednet.edu

CCA

• Kylee Meysenburg: k.meysenburg@eatonville.wednet.edu

EES

• Jana McIlraith: j.mcilraith@eatonvilleschools.org

WES

• Allysen Lindstrom: a.lindstrom@eatonville.wednet.edu

Dear Families,

We are thankful for you!

As we enter this season of gratitude, we’re reminded how appreciative we are for each student who shows up ready to learn every day. Consistent attendance is one of the most important factors in student success, and every day in class makes a difference. Let’s “gobble up” good habits by showing up, staying engaged, and finishing strong before the Thanksgiving break. Together, we can make this a season of learning, gratitude, and growth.

As we prepare for the Thanksgiving break, November 26–30, we want to share our heartfelt gratitude for everyone in our school community. Your partnership makes it possible for students to come to school each day on time, prepared, and excited to learn.

Every school day is an important opportunity for students to connect with peers and teachers, and to grow personally, socially, and academically.

We are thankful for:
• Our students and their families who show up regularly, even when it isn’t easy.
• Our dedicated staff who go above and beyond to make school a safe, welcoming, and inspiring place to learn.
• Our amazing support staff and volunteers who provide the extra care and attention our students need.

We appreciate each of you. If your family or your child needs support, please reach out to your school counselor.

We look forward to seeing everyone back when school resumes on Monday, December 1, after the Thanksgiving break.

Thank you for partnering with us — we are truly grateful for our school community.

This is a time to honor and celebrate the rich histories, traditions, languages, and diverse cultures of American Indians and Alaskan Natives. We also recognize their important contributions and enduring impact on our society.

This month provides a meaningful opportunity to educate ourselves and others about the unique challenges Indigenous people have faced, both past and present, and the resilience and strength they have shown in overcoming those challenges. Let’s celebrate and learn together!

Eatonville School District has been awarded a $2,000 grant from AgWest Farm Credit, in partnership with ESD 101, to celebrate National Farm to School Month this October.

This exciting opportunity will allow each of the district’s five schools to host a Farm to School (F2S) event highlighting locally grown produce and hands-on learning experiences for students. Events may include taste testing activities, or mock farm stands, bringing agriculture education directly to our students.

The district will partner with Frey Farms & Pink Moon Farm, local growers, to ensure all produce used for the events comes from nearby farms, connecting students to the region’s agricultural community and promoting healthy, locally sourced foods.

As part of the program, our food service teams will be testing new recipes in all five schools. Some of the dishes being developed may include:

• Arugula Salad – tossed with a light balsamic vinaigrette, parmesan, and fresh pears

• Microgreens – grown locally and added to salads for extra flavor and nutrition

• Pumpkin Bars – made from scratch using locally grown pie pumpkins

Once event dates are finalized, representatives from AgWest and ESD 101 plan to attend and participate in the celebrations.

Eatonville School District is proud to continue growing its connections between local farmers, students, and classrooms, helping children understand where their food comes from and how agriculture supports our community.

The Eatonville School District is proud to introduce our 2025–26 Student School Board Representatives. These outstanding students will serve as liaisons between their peers and the School Board, ensuring that student perspectives and voices are represented in district discussions and decisions.

• Ruby – Running Start/PCSC and Eatonville Middle School Representative

• Eli – Eatonville High School Senior, WES and GRITS Representative

• Caydence – Eatonville High School Junior, EES and Columbia Crest Academy Representative

Each representative brings a unique perspective and a shared commitment to enhancing student engagement and communication across all five district schools. They began their service at the October Board meeting, where they demonstrated strong leadership, professionalism, and collaboration.

Throughout the school year, these student leaders will visit schools, gather student input, and share updates at monthly Board meetings. Their participation reflects our ongoing dedication to fostering student voice, leadership, and partnership in shaping the future of Eatonville School District.

For parent volunteers who plan to support multiple schools, only one volunteer application is required for district-wide approval. Please submit your application and show your driver’s license at the school where you will spend most of your time. That school will begin the process to grant you access across all schools in the district.

• Don’t delay! You can mark and return your ballot as soon as you receive it in the mail. You can return your ballot for free using USPS mail or a ballot drop box. Visit PierceCountyElections.org to learn more or find a drop box near you.
• Your vote matters. Have questions or need assistance for election? Call the Pierce County Elections team and they can help! 253-798-VOTE (8683).
• Your vote is your voice. Don't sit this election out. Get your ballot returned before 8 p.m. on election day. Find a drop box near you by visiting PierceCountyElections.org.

Superintendent Jay Brower represented Eatonville School District at this morning’s Mid-County Leadership Meeting at Pacific Lutheran University, joined by Board Chair Ronda Litzenberger and Public Information Officer/Principal Allison Burslem.

Leaders from local school districts, Pierce County, and PLU gathered to share updates and collaborate on ways to strengthen our schools and communities. We’re proud to have Eatonville’s leadership contributing to these important regional conversations focused on education, partnership, and growth.

Huge thanks to Tim Killian, President of the Graham-Kapowsin Community Council, for gifting us two more sewing machines!

These machines will be put to great use in the Columbia Crest A STEM Academy sewing program our students are excited to start stitching right away!

Signs have been installed along Mashell Avenue for the Eatonville Historic Walking Tour, a project of the Eatonville Main Street Association (EMSA). The Main Street group operates under the aegis of the South Pierce County Historical Society, a 501c(3) organization.

The walking tour goal is to allow visitors, as well as local residents, to step back in time, experience the town in its early days, and learn how the original main street has evolved.

The project was made possible through a grant from the Town of Eatonville's Lodging Tax Advisory Committee (LTAC) funds, with additional support from Mt. Tacoma Post 148 American Legion, Fraternal Order of Eagles Mt. Rainier Aerie 3158, Eatonville Lions Club, Mt. Tahoma Masonic Lodge 190, and Eatonville Business Association.

Soon to be added is a brochure to assist walkers in navigating the self-guided tour route. A QR code on each of the signs along the walk will provide access to additional historical information.

Superintendent: Mr. Jay Brower

Executive Assistant: Mrs. Cassie Froud

District Office Hours: 7:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Email: communications@eatonvilleschools.org

Website: https://www.eatonville.wednet.edu
Location: 200 Lynch Street West, Eatonville, WA, USA
Phone: 360-879-1000
Facebook: facebook.com/eatonville.school.district
Twitter: @EatonvilleSD

Eatonville School District does not discriminate in any programs or activities on the basis of sex, race, ethnicity, creed, religion, color, national origin, immigration or citizenship status, age, veteran or military status, sexual orientation, gender expression, gender identity, homelessness, disability, neurodivergence, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. The following employees have been designated to handle questions and complaints of alleged discrimination:

Civil Rights Compliance Coordinator

• Name and/or Title: Dracy Blue, Executive Director of Student Services
• Address: 200 Lynch St. W., Eatonville, WA 98328
• Telephone Number: (360)641-1809
• Email: d.blue@eatonville.wednet.edu

Section 504/ADA Coordinator

• Name and/or Title: Dracy Blue, Executive Director of Student Services
• Address: 200 Lynch St. W., Eatonville, WA 98328
• Telephone Number: (360)641-1809
• Email: d.blue@eatonville.wednet.edu

Title IX Coordinator

• Name and/or Title: Dracy Blue, Executive Director of Student Services
• Address: 200 Lynch St. W., Eatonville, WA 98328
• Telephone Number: (360)641-1809
• Email: d.blue@eatonville.wednet.edu